Yarn deflecting means for automatic yarn piecing apparatus

ABSTRACT

Pneumatic traveler threading of a length of yarn extended between a bobbin-yarn package and the traveler flange of a spinning ring encircling such package is facilitated when required by a hook-like member which engagingly deflects such yarn at a location intermediate its length and inwardly of the spinning ring. such deflection causes that section of the yarn adjacent the traveler flange to extend at a relatively small angle to the horizontal, and preferably also causes such yarn section to extend laterally toward a point upon the traveler flange that is circumferentially spaced, in the direction of movement of the traveler during the traveler threading operation, from the point at which the yarn overlies the flange.

United States Patent [191 Cleland [4 1 May 13, 1975 1 YARN DEFLECTINGMEANS FOR AUTOMATIC YARN PIECING APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Luther A.Cleland, Westminster,

[73] Assignee: Saco Lowell Corporation, Easley,

[22] Filed: Oct. 17, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 407,126

Primary ExaminerJohn Petrakes Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Joseph H. Heard[57] ABSTRACT Pneumatic traveler threading of a length of yarn extendedbetween a bobbin-yarn package and the traveler flange of a spinning ringencircling such package is facilitated when required by a hook-likemember which engagingly deflects such yarn at a location intermediateits length and inwardly of the spinning ring. such deflection causesthat section of the yarn adjacent the traveler flange to extend at arelatively small angle to the horizontal, and preferably also causessuch yarn section to extend laterally toward a point upon the travelerflange that is circumferentially spaced, in the direction of movement ofthe traveler during the traveler threading operation, from the point atwhich the yarn overlies the flange.

PATENIED m1 3IQ75 Pic-1.4

YARN DEFLECTING MEANS FOR AUTOMATIC YARN PIECING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION This invention relates to automatic yarn piecingapparatuses adapted to eliminate broken yarn or enddown" conditions atdeliveries of textile spinning machines. It more particularly relates topiecing apparatuses of the type which, while performing a piecingoperation at a spinning machine delivery requiring enddown servicing,establishes a length of yarn extended between the yarn collectionpackage and the traveler flange of the spinning ring encircling thepackage at such delivery, and which then performs the traveler threadingstep of the piecing operation by moving the traveler about the ringflange, usually by pneumatic means, onto the yarn extended across andengaging such flange. Illustrative piecing apparatuses of the foregoinggeneral type are disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,540,200, 3,628,320 and3,728,852.

During each piecing operation performed at a spinning machine deliveryby a piecing apparatus of the above-noted type, a length of yarnconnected to and extending generally outwardly from the bobbin-yarnpackage at such delivery is engaged exteriorally of the spinning ringencircling such package by a member which secures the yarn in snubbedoverlying engagement with at least the outer edge of the traveler flangeof the spinning ring. The traveler mounted upon the ring flange is thenpropelled thereabout, which may advantageously be done by directing ablast against the interior surface of the spinning ring, so as to mountthe yarn and establish a threaded relationship therewith. This desiredresult usually ensues when the yarn extending inwardlly from thetraveler flange defines a relatively small angle with the horizontal.However, when the aforesaid angle is relatively large, the traveler maynot mount the yarn, thereby causing failure of the traveler threadingstep of the piecing operation.

Patent 3,628,320 recognizes the foregoing problem, and proposes asolution which entails allowing, before attempted performance of thetraveler threading step, a certain amount of winding rotation of thebobbinyarn package to which the yarn is connected. Such solutionrequires the performance of an additional step in each piecing operationconducted by the piecing apparatus, even though the yarns angularitywill not be such as to present a problem in an appreciable number of thetotal piecing operations conducted by the apparatus. The performance ofsuch additional step during each piecing operation, and whether neededor not, requires the provision of additional control and/or othercomponents upon the piecing apparatus and also requires that the yarn beneedlessly subjected to some additional stress during many piecingoperations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION With the foregoing in mind, the primary objectof the present invention is the provision of improved means, in anautomatic yarn piecing apparatus which performs the traveler threadingstep of each piecing operation by propelling a traveler about a spinningring onto a length of yarn extended between the traveler flange of suchring and a yarn collection package encircled thereby, for at desiredtimes deflecting that section of the yarn adjacent to and extendinginwardly from the traveler flange into a position favorable to mountingof the yarn by the traveler when the latter is propelled about theflange.

A related and more specific object is the provision of improved meanswhich eliminates the problem of excessive vertical angulation of theyarn, when such problem exists during a particular piecing operation,with the imposition of only minimal stress upon the yarn, and whichimposes no additional stress upon the yarn during those piecingoperations when the yarnangulation problem is not present.

An additional related and more specific object is the provision ofimproved means of the described type which requires no additionalcontrol components in, or the performance of any separate operationalsteps by, the piecing apparatus, and which may comprise only oneinexpensive component added to and operable in unison with an existingcomponent of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides improved means,in association with an automatic yarn piecing apparatus which performsthe traveler-threading step of each piecing operation by propelling atraveler about a spinning ring onto a length of yarn extending betweenthe traveler flange of such ring and a yarn collection package encircledthereby, for at desired times engaging such yarn intermediate its lengthand thereby deflecting that section thereof adjacent to and inwardly ofthe spinning ring into a position favorable to mounting of the yarn bythe traveler when the latter is propelled about the ring flange.Preferably the yarn is deflected both downwardly toward the elevation ofthe ring flange, and laterally toward a point upon such flange spacedfrom the point where the yarn overlies the flange. When the piecingapparatus is of a preferred known type which includes a yarn depressormember engagable with the outer periphery of the spinning ring for thepurpose of assisting in the establishment of the length of yarn extendedbetween the package and the traveler flange of the spinning ring, theyarn deflecting means of the present invention may be and preferably iscarried by the support arm of such depressor member in such a manner asto be automatically operable in unison therewith if, but only if,required during a particular piecing operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of theinvention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter,in the following description of an illustrative embodiment thereof,which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary and somewhat schematic side elevational view,partially in vertical section, of a conventional yarn collectionpackage, ring rail, spinning ring and traveler at a delivery of atextile spinning machine, and of a servicing assembly of an automaticyarn piecing apparatus which includes, in addition to conventionalsuction head, yarn depressor and traveler threading memebers, yarndeflecting means in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the components of FIG. 1during a later time in a piecing operation when the yarn depressormember has pivoted downwardly and is being advanced, with the servicingassembly, along the ring holder and toward the spinning ring of thespinning machine;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the yarn depressormember and the yarn deflecting means of the servicing assembly; a

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the yarn deflecting means, and ofadjacent portions of the yarn depressor member;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view similar to FIG. 2, but showing theservicing assembly in its fully advanced position occupied duringperformance of the traveler threading step of a piecing operation; and

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side perspective view, partially in verticalsection and withthe yarn collection package shown in phantom lines,taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5. a

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1 the numerals 10 and 12respectfully designate a textile spinning machine and aservicingassembly of an automatic yarn piecing apparatus, onlyfragmentary parts of which are shown. Spinning machine 10 may be of aconventional and well-known type including, on each side thereof, astationary spindle rail (not shown) and a vertically movable ring rail14 which spinning ring 18 carried by a ring holder 19 of ring rail 14,and thence to a yarn collection package 20 encircled by ring 18 andmounted upon the spinning machines spindle rail (not shown) for rotationabout a substantially vertical axis. During normal operation of machine10, package 20 is rotated about its axis (in a clockwise direction whenZ-twist yarn is being produced) so as to cause the yarn to be woundthereon, while ring rail 14 is moved vertically through reciprocatorystrokes or traverses so as to cause the package to possess the desiredstructure ,or build. When the package 20 being formed is of thefilling-wind type shown in the drawings, ring rail 14 may reciprocatethrougha constant traverse of, say, approximately two inches as it ismoved slowly from a lowermost and to an uppermost position relative tothe bobbin component of package 20. Spinning ring 18 and traveler 16 ofcourse move vertically in unison with ring rail 14 at all times, bothduring normal operation of machine 10 and when an end-down conditionexists at the machine delivery including such components.

Servicing assemby 12 and the automatic yarn piecing apparatus (otherwisenot shown) of which it forms a part may be and illustratively are of thegeneral type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,728,852. Such an apparatus ismovable adjacent one or more spinning machines to any delivery thereofrequiring servicing by reasons of an enddown condition thereat. Uponarriving at such delivery, the apparatus halts and various'servicingassemblies carried by and extendable from its perform sequential stepsof apiecing operation which, if sueings is mounted (by apparatuscomponents not shown) 1 for vertical movement during part of eachpiecing oper= ation in unison with the ring tail 14 at the spinning'ma-, chine delivery undergoing servicing, and for compound pivotalmovement in a generally horizontal plane t o ward and away from thespinning ring 18 and yarn package 20 at such delivery. Assembly 12includesyarn retrieving means, illustratively in the form of a suctionhead 22. and traveler threading means, illustatively in the form of anozzle 24, the suction head 22 and nozzle f 24 being respectivelyconnected to selectively actuable I air suction and pressure sources(not shown) carried by I the piecing apparatus. Assemblyl2 also includesa yarn depressor member 26 pivotally connected adjacent its,

inner end to suction head 22 by a pivot pin 28 for movement, uponretraction of a retaining pin 30, from its elevated inoperative positionshown in FIG. I. to a lowered position in which member 26 extends generally horizontally. Duringthatpartof a piecing opera-' tion when assembly12 is moving vertically with ring rail 14, the assembly is advanced toposition the mouth of suction head 22 adjacent the chase surface ofpack- P age 20, while such package is rotated in an unwinding 7direction and a suction air flow is producedth rough' suction head 22.This, in possible combination with the applicationof other yarnretrieving forces to package q 20, causessome of the yarn previouslywound upon the package to be retrievedtherefrom and sucked into head 22.Rotation of package2t) is then halted and assembly 12 is retracted awayfrom the package,,-as

shown in FIG. 1. Next, yarn depressor member26 piv.- ots downwardly fromits elevated inoperative position, i in the process of which an arcuateposition '32thereofi engages and depresses the yarn extending between'lipackage 20 and suctionhead 22, and assembly 12is again pivoted forwardlytoward spinning machinerltlr During this forward movement of assembly12, .engage ment between an arcuate portion 32 of yarn depressor member26 and the complimentally curved outer sur-- face of spinning ring 18assists in guiding asse-mbly26 from its intermediate position shown inFIG. 2 to its final position, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and wherein sub- Istantially the full length of depressor portion 32 engages ring 18. Inthe aforesaid final position of assem- I bly 26, a length of the yarnpreviously retrieved by suc- 7 tion head. 22 extends from package 20 toand over traveler flange 18 of ring 18, being secured in overlyingengagement with at least the outer edge" of flange 18' by arcuateportion 32 of yarn depressor 26, A blast of i air then emitted fromnozzle 24 into and against the inner circumference ofring 18 creates aclockwise, air

flow between ring 118 and package 20. Irrespective of the randomposition which traveler 16 occupies upon,

ring flange 118', suchair flow propels traveler 1,6 in a clockwisedirection around flange 18 to the yarn over-.

lying such flange and, assuming that the'traveler threadingstep is asuccessful one, into threaded en gagement with such yarn. P

The above described components of an automatic the structure andfunction thereof, if desired. If the yarn extending between package 20and ring flange 18' defines too great an angle'with the horizon-' tal,as would sometimes be the case if matters were left purely to chance,traveler 16 will likely not mount and pass into threaded engagement withthe yarn when. propelled about flange 18. To avoid this undesirableresult U.S. Pat. No. 3,628,320 teaches allowing limited rotation of theyarn package in a winding direction subsequent to the retrieval of yarntherefrom, and prior to attempted performance of the traveler-threadingstep. In accordance with the present invention, this procedure need notbe followed, since yarn deflecting means are provided to so position theyarn, when required during the traveler threading step of each piecingoperation performed by the piecing apparatus, in a manner favorable toits mounting by the traveler.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2-6, the yarn deflecting means ofthe present invention comprises a hook-like member 34 having a basesection 36 fixedly secured in any suitable manner uponn the forward andupper end portion of the elongate support arm 26' of yarn depressormember 26. A main body section 38 of member 34 first projects forwardlyfrom base section 36 and arm 26', and then extends laterally therefromin a generally rearward direction. Formed integrally with the free endof main body section 38 is a depending section 40 having a rounded lowerend. The length of depending section 40 of member 34 is such that itslower end is at an elevation only slightly above that of flange 18' ofspinning ring 18 when depressor 26 is in a lowered position ofengagement with ring holder 19.

The function of yarn deflecting member 26 will now be explained withreference first to FIG. 2, which as noted previously shows assembly 12approaching spinning ring 18 preparatory to performance of the travelerthreading step of a piecing operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the length ofyarn Y extending between package and flange 18 of ring 18 lies to theleft of depending section 40 of member 26 as section 40 passes, duringadvancement of assembly 12, closely adjacent to and across the top ofring flange 18' and into the interior of ring 18 (i.e., into thecylindrical space enclosed by a vertical projection of the ring). Duringfurther movement of assembly 12 toward its final traveler threadingposition shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the aforesaid length of yarn Y will, ifextending at an excessively large angle relative to the horizontal, beengaged intermediate its length and deflected from a linear condition bysections 38 and 40 of member 34. As is best shown in FIG. 6, engagementbetween yarn Y and the lower and generally horizontally extending edgeof section 38 of member 34 deflects the yarn downwardly, such that thesection Y thereof adjacent to and inwardly of ring flange 18' ispositioned at a relatively small angle in relation to the horizontal.Such angle is of course less than defined with the horizontal by theremaining yarn section Y" adjacent package 20, and preferably is not'inexcess of approximately 20. Engagement between yarn Y and dependingsection 40 of member 34 deflects the yarn laterally toward a point uponring flange l8 circumferentially spaced, in the downstream direction ofclockwise movement of traveler 16 about flange 18 during performance ofthe traveler threading step, from the point at which the yarn overliesflange 18'. As is best shown in FIG. 5, such lateral deflection causesyarn section Y to define a smaller angle with ring flange 18' than theangle defined with the ring flange by the remaining yarn section Y. Withsegment Y of yarn Y positioned as aforesaid, it will be apparent thattravler 16 will reliably mount and pass into threaded engagement withthe yarn overlying flange 18' when propelled about the flange and intoengagement with such yarn by emission of a blast of air from nozzle 24.It should be noted, in the latter connection, that sufficient clearanceis provided between member 34 and ring flange 18, in the position (FIGS.5 and 6) occupied by member 34 during performance of the travelerthreading step, for member 34 to in no way impede entry of the blast ofair from nozzle 24 into ring 18, and to in no way impede movement of theair or of traveler 16 about ring flange 18.

Following performance of the traveler threading step and during thethereafter ensuing retractive movement of assembly 12 away from package20 and ring IS, the yarn previously deflectingly engaged by member 34passes downwardly to and from the rounded lower end of its section 40.

While the benefits realized from member 34 are due primarily to thedownward deflection of yarn Y, when required, by the lower edge of itssection 38, they are also attributable in part to the yarns lateraldeflection by section 40 of member 34. Additionally, such lateraldeflection of the yarn tends to minimize the small additional stressimposed upon the yarn by member 34.

During some piecing operations performed by the piecing apparatus, thelength of yarn Y established between package 20 and ring flang l8'likelywill not extend at an excessively large angle (e.g., more thanapproximately 20") relative to the horizontal. During some such piecingoperations, the yarn may not be engaged by either section 38 or section40 of member 34, in which event even the aforesaid small amount ofadditional stress will not be imposed upon the yarn. During other suchpiecing operations, while the vertical angularity of the yarn may not beso excessive as to require or undergo correction by section 38 of member34, lateral deflection of the yarn by section 40 of member 34 will stilloccur. This is not undesirable since, as noted previously, the yarnslateral deflection does facilitate successful performance of thetraveler threading step to some extent.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been specificallyshown and described, it is to be understood that this was for purposesof illustration only, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope ofthe invention being in accordance with the following claims.

That which is claimed: 5

1. In combination with an automatic yarn piecing apparatus servicing atextile spinning machine, including a spinning ring having a travelerflange encircling a yarn collection package, said apparatus includingyarn positioning means for establishing a length of yarn extending fromsaid package to and across said flange of said spinning ring, andtraveler threading means for moving a traveler about said ring flangeand onto said yarn extending across said flange, the improvementcomprising:

yarn deflecting means for engaging said length of yarn at a locationthereon intermediate said package and said ring flange and at desiredtimes during operation of sid traveler threading means, and fordeflecting a section of said yarn adjacent to and inwardly of saidspinning ring flange into a position favorable to the mounting of saidyarn by said traveler upon movement thereof about said ring flange bysaid traveler threading means.

2. The improvement as in claim I, wherein said deflecting means is meansfor deflecting said yarn section downwardly to define an angle with thehorizontal fleeting means is means for deflecting said yarn sectiongenerally laterally toward a point onsaid ring flange circumferentiallyspaced from the point at which said yarn crosses said flange, so as tocause said yarn section to define an angle with said ring flange smallerthan the angle defined by the remaining section of said yarn adjacentsaid package.

4. The improvement as in claim 1, wherein said traveler threading meansincludes nozzle means for, at said desired times, creating a circularmovement of air about the inner surface of said ring for moving saidtraveler about said ring flange, and wherein said yarn deflecting meansis spaced from said ring to permit said movement of said air and saidtraveler about said ring in an unobstructed manner.

5. The improvement as in claim 2, wherein said yarn deflecting meanscomprises a generally hook-like member having a generally horizontallyextending section for said downward deflecting such that said yarnsection defines said smaller angle, and further having a downwardlydepending section for deflecting said yarn section laterally toward apoint on said ring flange cir cumferentially spaced from the point wheresaid yarn crosses said flange.

6. The improvement as in claim 1, wherein said yarn positioning meansincludes a yarn depressor member engageable during operation of saidtraveler threading means with said spinning ring exteriorly thereof forse curing said yarn in position'across said flange, and wherein saidyarn deflecting means is carried by said yarn depressor memberandprojects therefrom into said spinning ring during said operation.

7. The improvement as in claim 6, wherein said yarn positioning meansfurther includes yarn retrieving means for retrieving yarn from saidpackage and ex-.

tending the same outwardly from said package and be I above said ringflange, and thereafter for moving it for wardly into engagement with theexterior of said spinning ring, and wherein a part of said yarndeflecting; meansis moved bysaid mounting meansinwardly of said spinningring to a yarn deflecting positionIwith said forward movement of saiddepressor member.

8. Theimprovement as in claim 7, wherein said yarn being closelyadjacent the elevation of flange.

9. The improvement as in claim '8, wherein said traveler threading meansincludes nozzle means for, at said desired. times, creating a circularmovement. of air about the inner surface of said ring for moving saidtraveler about said ring flange, and wherein. said yarn retrieving meansincludes a suction head adapted to apply yarn retrieving suction forcesto said package,

and further wherein said yarn deflecting means; is spaced from said ringto permit said movement of said air and said traveler about said ringand application. of,

said suction forces to said package in an unobstructed manner.

10. In combination with an automatic yarn piecing apparatus servicing atextile spinning machine 'includ-, ing a spinning ring having a travelerflange encircling a yarn collection package, said apparatus includng'pneumatic traveler threading means for pneumatically moving a travelerabout said ring flange and onto aseg-j merit of yarn carried by saidpackage and extending, therefrom into overlying engagement with saidflange;

the improvement comprising: I

, yarn positioning and deflecting means carried by said:

apparatus and engageable with said segment, at 'a location thereonintermediate said package and tion of said traveler threading means,forposition ing and deflecting said. segment relative to said I it flangeat an angulation favorable to mounting of said segment by said travelerupon said flange upon movement of said traveler thereabout by said trav?said ring flange and at desired times during opera-

1. In combination with an automatic yarn piecing apparatus servicing atextile spinning machine, including a spinning ring having a travelerflange encircling a yarn collection package, said apparatus includingyarn positioning means for establishing a length of yarn extending fromsaid package to and across said flange of said spinning ring, andtraveler threading means for moving a traveler about said ring flangeand onto said yarn extending across said flange, the improvementcomprising: yarn deflecting means for engaging said length of yarn at alocation thereon intermediate said package and said ring flange and atdesired times during operation of sid traveler threading means, and fordeflecting a section of said yarn adjacent to and inwardly of saidspinning ring flange into a position favorable to the mounting of saidyarn by said traveler upon movement thereof about said ring flange bysaid traveler threading means.
 2. The improvement as in claim 1, whereinsaid deflecting means is means for deflecting said yarn sectiondownwardly to define an angle with the horizontal which is smaller thanthe angle defined by the remaining section of said length of yarnadjacent said package.
 3. The improvement as in claim 1, wherein saiddeflecting means is means for deflecting said yarn section generallylaterally toward a point on said ring flange circumferentially spacedfrom the point at which said yarn crosses said flange, so as to causesaid yarn section to define an angle with said ring flange smaller thanthe angle defined by the remaining section of said yarn adjacent saidpackage.
 4. The improvement as in claim 1, wherein said travelerthreading means includes nozzle means for, at said desired times,creating a circular movement of air about the inner surface of said ringfor moving said traveler about said ring flange, and wherein said yarndeflecting means is spaced from said ring to permit said movement ofsaid air and said traveler about said ring in an unobstructed manner. 5.The improvement as in claim 2, wherein said yarn deflecting meanscomprises a generally hook-like member having a generally horizontallyextending section for said downward deflecting such that said yarnsection defines said smaller angle, and further having a downwardlydepending section for deflecting said yarn section laterally toward apoint on said ring flange circumferentially spaced from the point wheresaid yarn crosses said flange.
 6. The improvement as in claim 1, whereinsaid yarn positioning means includes a yarn depressor member engageableduring operation of said traveler threading means with said spinningring exteriorly thereof for securing said yarn in position across saidflange, and wherein said yarn deflecting means is carried by said yarndepressor member and projects therefrom into said spinning ring duringsaid operation.
 7. The improvement as in claim 6, wherein said yarnpositioning means further includes yarn retrieving means for retrievingyarn from said package and extending the same outwardly from saidpackage and beyond said spinning ring abOve said ring flange, and meansmounting said yarn depressor member for moving it downwardly intoengagement with the yarn extending between said package and saidspinning ring above said ring flange, and thereafter for moving itforwardly into engagement with the exterior of said spinning ring, andwherein a part of said yarn deflecting means is moved by said mountingmeans inwardly of said spinning ring to a yarn deflecting position withsaid forward movement of said depressor member.
 8. The improvement as inclaim 7, wherein said yarn deflecting means comprises a generallyhook-like member having, in the operative position thereof, a generallyhorizontally extending portion having a free end, and a downwardlyextending portion depending from said free end, the lower end of saiddepending portion being closely adjacent the elevation of the top ofsaid flange.
 9. The improvement as in claim 8, wherein said travelerthreading means includes nozzle means for, at said desired times,creating a circular movement of air about the inner surface of said ringfor moving said traveler about said ring flange, and wherein said yarnretrieving means includes a suction head adapted to apply yarnretrieving suction forces to said package, and further wherein said yarndeflecting means is spaced from said ring to permit said movement ofsaid air and said traveler about said ring and application of saidsuction forces to said package in an unobstructed manner.
 10. Incombination with an automatic yarn piecing apparatus servicing a texiblespinning machine including a spinning ring having a traveler flangeencircling a yarn collection package, said apparatus includng pneumatictraveler threading means for pneumatically moving a traveler about saidring flange and onto a segment of yarn carried by said package andextending therefrom into overlying engagement with said flange, theimprovement comprising: yarn positioning and deflecting means carried bysaid apparatus and engageable with said segment, at a location thereonintermediate said package and said ring flange and at desired timesduring operation of said traveler threading means, for positioning anddeflecting said segment relative to said flange at an angulationfavorable to mounting of said segment by said traveler upon said flangeupon movement of said traveler thereabout by said traveler threadingmeans.